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The Grand-Am Series will add a third class of racing to go with its DP, rear, and GT, front, classes in 2013. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Grand-Am to add a third classification of racing in 2013

May 30, 2012

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Grand-Am Road Racing announced plans on Thursday to add a third class to compete in the Rolex Sports Car Series, beginning with the 2013 season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The new class, to be called GX, will join the series' headlining Daytona Prototype (DP) and the production-based Grand Touring (GT) classes. The models, and some manufacturers, will be unique to GX.

The production-based GX competition will feature cars and technologies not currently involved in the Rolex Series. Rules are being developed to allow for the exploration of a wide variety of alternative technologies and alternative fuels. This could include turbocharged engines and fuels other than gasoline, such as clean diesels and hybrid powertrains.

No changes to GT performance levels are expected. Manufacturers that will compete in the GX class have yet to be announced, though Mazda is expected to confirm its participation as early as June 1.

“A number of [original equipment manufacturers] have expressed their desire to field cars that wouldn't fit within our current two-class structure, so it makes good sense for us to find a way to accommodate those desires and in the process make something that's already great—the Rolex Series—even better,” said Grand-Am president and CEO Ed Bennett.

“When there are manufacturers looking to compete, we need to find a model that works to include them in the Rolex Series. It's good for the fans, providing another whole group of exciting cars they can relate to. And the fact that the GX class will get to debut at the Rolex 24 just adds to the anticipation and excitement.”

The 2012 Rolex Series season continues on Saturday with the Chevrolet Grand-Am Detroit 200 on Belle Isle in Detroit.